Maryland

Running a company that processes credit card information can help an executive keep his finger on the pulse of the economy.

Hossein Noshirvani has enjoyed this perspective for eight years while managing Motionsoft, a Rockville company that provides membership management services for health clubs.

“There’s been a nice upward trend in both the economy and memberships within the last year,” said Noshirvani, whose company’s sales have improved to the point that it requires more employees.